Strategic Operations Manager - Kailua-Kona

Strategic Operations Manager - Kailua-Kona

Clarks Hawaii Tours is seeking a Strategic Operations Manager to work closely with the Owner/CEO overseeing daily operations across Kauai, Kona, and future locations
, while supporting the launch of a new community shuttle service.

In addition to strong operational and logistical capability, this role requires high emotional intelligence and people leadership. Our operations are public‑facing and service‑driven, and the Strategic Operations Manager must be comfortable supporting frontline staff, navigating interpersonal challenges, and making thoughtful decisions that balance efficiency, safety, and guest experience.

This is a hands‑on, builder‑stage role for someone who thrives in a fast‑moving, real‑world operational environment. You will help design systems, lead people, and solve problems in real time — not from behind a desk.

This role is particularly well suited for someone already familiar with Hawaii’s operational realities
, including inter‑island logistics, local vendors, and the pace of island‑based transportation operations.

This role is Kona‑based
, with weekly inter‑island travel (typically one day per week on Kauai).

This role is intentionally scoped for an experienced operations leader in the 5–7 year range who is ready to step into broader responsibility earlier than they might in a larger or more established organization. While the scope includes meaningful ownership, leadership, and visibility,
compensation is aligned to a mid–senior manager level rather than a corporate director or executive role
, with a total compensation range expected to cap in the low‑to‑mid $90

Ks including performance bonuses. Candidates who are excited by growth, impact, and hands‑on leadership — rather than title or seniority alone — will be the strongest fit.

This role does not have a fixed office location.

The Strategic Operations Manager may work remotely from home or another suitable location with reliable internet and cell service within reasonable driving distance of the Kailua‑Kona area. The role requires the ability to be onsite with limited notice at the Kona base yard or other operational locations to address time‑sensitive issues, conduct walk‑throughs, support drivers, and respond to live operational or service‑related situations.

This position requires comfort working in a dynamic field environment, including base yards, vehicles, ports, and remote coordination across islands.

• Oversee daily tour operations across Kauai, Kona, and future locations
• Serve as point of escalation for on‑the‑ground operational and people‑related issues and document resolutions
• Manage driver scheduling, performance, and accountability
• Recruit (with ownership), onboard, and train drivers
• Provide calm, clear leadership during service disruptions, delays, or guest‑impacting issues

• Coordinate fleet maintenance with the Fleet Consultant
• Ensure compliance with DOT, PUC, Harbor, and DMV requirements
• Oversee the Kona base yard and future base yards, ensuring safety, cleanliness, organization, and security
• Make proactive recommendations to ownership regarding facility or operational improvements

• Build and refine operational SOPs
• Improve systems using Airtable, Notion, and Make
• Identify cost savings and efficiency opportunities

• Support planning and execution for a new community shuttle service
• Track guest experience feedback and recommend improvements

• 5–7 years of operations leadership experience (transportation, fleet, hospitality, logistics, or multi‑unit operations)
• Comfortable managing people, assets, and live, public‑facing operations
• Tech‑savvy and able to quickly learn Airtable, Notion, and automation tools
• Proactive, creative problem‑solver with a strong ownership mindset
• Based in Kona or already on one of the Hawaiian Islands, with familiarity navigating inter‑island operations and the realities of working within Hawaii’s transportation ecosystem
• Competitive base salary aligned with the Hawaii market
• Performance‑based bonus opportunity
• Full benefits package…